Metro Government

Louisville Metro Council announced the schedule for two public hearings on a proposed ordinance to significantly increase the tax rate on most insurance premiums in the city, part of a plan advocated by Mayor Greg Fischer...

Mayor Greg Fischer unveiled a plan on Wednesday to dramatically increase the tax rate on certain insurance premiums over the next four years, in an effort to fill a $65 million budget hole over that time...

In a bold move to keep new tax revenue in-house, small cities are considering matching Metro Council’s proposed increase to the insurance premium tax. To fill a large budget hole created by escalating pension costs, Mayor Greg...

Mayor Greg Fischer warned of the potential of “devastating” cuts to city services and staff layoffs without new tax revenue on Thursday, citing an expected $65 million budget gap over the next four years due the...

City leaders have denounced an apparent hate crime directed at a Hindu temple earlier this week, as it was broken into and desecrated with graffiti. At some point between Sunday night and Tuesday morning, officials said,...

State

A bill was introduced Wednesday in the Kentucky General Assembly just before the filing deadline for legislation that would raise the state gas tax by 10 cents per gallon, in addition to imposing new fees and...

After failed attempts last spring and in a 24-hour special session in December, Kentucky lawmakers will try to pass pension reform once more this session. Filed on the final day for new bills, House Bill 504...

Neil Ramsey announced his official resignation from the Kentucky Retirement Systems board of trustees at its meeting on Thursday, two months after he first announced that he would resign over a legal conflict. Following an Insider...

The Louisville Urban League’s next free felony expungement clinic on March 2 is already fully booked, but in the meantime the nonprofit is seeking legal volunteers to help that clinic run as smoothly as possible for...

A bill that would legalize and regulate wagering on sporting events in Kentucky and earmark tax revenue to the state pension system easily passed through a legislative committee Wednesday morning. House Bill 175 would allow Kentuckians to...

By Perry Bacon Gov. Matt Bevin is unpopular — a poll released in January by Morning Consult found that he ranked 45th among America’s 50 governors in terms of favorability (though, the five below him are no longer...

By Amye Bensenhaver In an era when virtually every public official gives lip service to the importance of transparency and accountability, what is it that motivates a legislator to introduce a bill that abridges these twin goals?...

The jury has ruled in favor of LMPD Lt. Jimmy Harper in a whistleblower lawsuit against the department.

Harper sued LMPD, asserting that he was demoted from major to lieutenant in retaliation for reporting mismanagement of overtime funds and disagreeing with the disbandment of special flex platoons.

The jury has recommended Harper receive $300,000 in damages for lost wages and distress.

Harper said his trouble began when he supported two LMPD officers who cleared a woman wrongfully convicted of murder. He stated his superiors came down on him for supporting Baron Morgan and Richard Pearson, two men who had their own whistleblower lawsuits.

LMPD Chief Steve Conrad and a former assistant chief testified last week that Harper was demoted for being argumentative and insubordinate, among other things.

Conrad released a statement following the verdict:

“This is a disappointing verdict. But, as I have said before, I support the decisions of the court and I thank the jury for their work. Today, the jury ruled against us. Nevertheless, I will not apologize for my actions, because I believe they were in the best interest of the department and the city. Through the reorganization of the department, which included implementing a full-time SWAT team, increasing the size of our Narcotics Unit, and devoting overtime patrols in the 1st, 2nd, and 4th divisions, we have made a significant impact on violent crime in this community.

I want to make sure that the members of this community understand that I am your police chief. And regardless of what is in the news, know that the men and women of my department come to work each and every day and put their lives on the line to make this city a safer place. I ask that you continue to support my officers and this department, and join us as we continue to do our part in making Louisville a stronger, safer city.”

“I appreciate the jury’s consideration in this case, and we will defer to the County Attorney’s office on any next steps. It’s important to remember that the changes Chief Conrad made last year are showing positive results — overall crime is down 7 percent, violent crime is down 9 percent, and homicides are down 30 percent. As we move forward, I again urge everyone to continue supporting the women and men of LMPD as they do the daily work of making our city an even safer place.”

Reposted from https://insiderlouisville.com/government/jury-rules-in-favor-of-lmpd-lt-jimmy-harper-awards-300000-in-whistleblower-lawsuit/